For over two decades, Dick Olango has not only made his mark in Japan’s highly competitive architectural industry but is now giving back to Kenya through groundbreaking research that could revolutionize the construction sector.
Born and raised in Kenya, Olango was drawn to architecture from a young age, inspired in part by his father, a surveyor and engineer who worked closely with Japanese technical experts under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Those early encounters with Japanese professionals left a lasting impression on Olango, particularly their discipline, dedication, and technological excellence. It was this inspiration that planted the seeds for a dream that would eventually take him across the globe.
In the late 1990s, Olango secured the prestigious Mombusho Scholarship offered by the Japanese government.
He relocated to Japan at the age of 19, after completing KCPE at Starehe boys center, ready to begin his studies in architecture. The transition, however, was anything but easy.
“I thought I could get by speaking English,” he recalls. “But to survive in Japan, you need to speak Japanese.”
He spent his first year immersed in intensive language training, followed by architecture studies at one of Japan’s top universities.
The experience not only refined his academic prowess but also immersed him deeply into Japanese culture through homestays, seasonal events, and traditional practices.
Upon completing his studies, Olango remained in Japan and began working in leading architectural and construction management firms.
Over time, he identified a unique niche—combining the engineering rigor of Japanese architecture with his own Kenyan background.
This blend of perspectives led to the creation of OSA—Olango and Sakata Associates, a partnership with Japanese architect Sakata Izumi.
Based in Tokyo and Nairobi, OSA has been instrumental in bridging Japanese technology with African development needs.
Rather than importing finished products, Olango and his team believe in transferring core technologies, which they call ‘seeds,’ to Kenya, where they can be developed locally.
This approach supports industrialization, skills transfer, and reduced carbon footprints.
“If you take a product like a toilet or television and ship it directly to Kenya, you increase costs, miss out on knowledge transfer, and contribute to environmental damage,” says Olango.
“But if we take the seed, the core idea, and build it in Kenya, we create jobs, empower people, and support sustainability.”
One of OSA’s most promising projects is their innovative use of black cotton soil, a type of clay commonly found in Kenya and considered problematic for construction.
Traditionally, this soil is discarded during building due to its instability.
However, Olango saw an opportunity in what others saw as waste. Teaming up with Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), OSA is developing construction blocks using black cotton soil mixed with maram, lime, and cement.
These blocks have the potential to be used in walling, pavements, and even in foundational work. They are being tested for durability and safety, and a pilot project is scheduled for next year.
Not only does this reduce construction waste, but it also offers an affordable, locally-sourced alternative for Kenya’s growing housing and infrastructure needs.
“We want to open this method to the world,” said Sakata. “We’re not doing this just for business but for social and academic value too.”
For Olango, this innovation is more than just professional success—it’s a personal mission to uplift his home country.
Despite building a life in Japan, complete with a Japanese wife and three children, Olango remains deeply connected to Kenya.
He regularly mentors young Kenyan students, encouraging them to apply for international scholarships and use their global exposure to bring back solutions to African problems.
His life story is a shining example of the power of global education, cross-cultural exchange, and innovation driven by purpose.
“Japan taught me discipline and precision,” he reflects. “But Kenya gave me my passion and my identity. I’m a product of both.”
As the world grapples with challenges in urbanization, sustainability, and affordable housing, visionaries like Dr. Dick Olango are showing what is possible when diverse worlds meet